You could say that as a bike shop owners, we are biased. But we happen to believe that the products we sell make great Christmas gifts for kids and grown-ups alike. Wrap one up, and you're giving mobility, independence, fitness, fun and adventure, as well as something durable that will last for years. For well under a grand, you could buy many seasons' worth of autonomous travel.

Don't see yourself becoming a bike commuter? That's OK. You do not have to "become" anything if you just want to try riding your bike. We have some octogenerian relatives who have been known to ride their bikes to the grocery store. I don't think they ever stopped to figure out if they are "bike commuters".

To maintain commitment, we have to believe that we have the ability to complete the task. For example, if the entire ride consisted of the log-jumping sections, I would have given up after the first ten minutes.Commitment requires sticking with and pushing yourself over tasks that are not easy. This part is not enjoyable, and this is where commitment is most likely to falter. But this is also precisely the point at which we get the wind back in our sails. Without methodically and slowly slogging up the steep banks, I could not feel the thrill of the happy descent, the feeling of being in control enough to let myself get out of it, reveling in my new abilities.

Don't ruin the joy of your biking experience through setting overly rigid goals. Especially if you are a relatively new cyclist. Focus on small victories and modest goals that will enhance your enjoyment of cycling.